'Attack On The City': Suspicious Fire Investigated In Santa Cruz

SANTA CRUZ, CA — Police in Santa Cruz are investigating a fire that ignited early Thursday morning.

The fire was at 1:30 a.m. at Parks Yard at Harvey West Park. It destroyed multiple vehicles and damaged property, the city said.

“Spray painted messages were left at the scene related to the City’s homelessness response work. The damage is currently estimated at around $300,000,” the city said.

Fuel tanks ruptured and spilled burning fuel in the parking lot. Runoff went into a storm drain and a small creek, Fire Chief Rob Oatey said in a news release.

“‘At a time when the City is making unprecedented investments in homelessness response, this incident was intended to weaken our resolve,” the city said. “Despite this setback, we will stay the course in our work to help improve the lives of unhoused individuals and of all residents in the City of Santa Cruz.”

Firefighters contained the fire to six vehicles, Oatey said. The Santa Cruz Police Department and Santa Cruz Fire Department Investigators are investigating.

“This egregious incident is an attack on the City and on our employees who work hard every single day,” the city said. “Our first priority is our employees’ safety, and we are working with the Parks team to ensure they receive any support they need. We will pursue prosecuting the responsible party to the fullest extent of the law.”